VA COLA Increase 2025: How much are VA Disability increase with the 2025 COLA?

According to Marca, VA beneficiaries can look forward to a benefits increase starting in 2025. Thanks to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), your VA benefits, much like Social Security, will see a boost at the start of the new year. If you’re receiving VA Disability or other VA benefits, expect to see this extra cash flow beginning in January 2025.

How the 2025 COLA Works

The COLA increase is applied as a percentage to your current monthly benefit. The higher your benefit, the larger the increase you’ll receive. For instance, if you’re currently receiving about $3,600 a month in VA Disability benefits, a projected 2.5% COLA increase could raise your check to approximately $3,690 per month. That’s an extra $90 per month, adding up to over $1,000 more over the year!

While the official COLA percentage hasn’t been confirmed yet, projections suggest a 2.5% increase is likely. The Senior Citizens League, which tracks these figures, has indicated this as a probable target. The final rate will be officially announced by the Social Security Administration in October 2024, with the increase going into effect for VA payments starting in January 2025.

Why the COLA Adjustment Matters

The purpose of the COLA is to help offset the effects of inflation and the rising cost of living. This adjustment ensures that veterans, much like Social Security recipients, can maintain their purchasing power. While the increase won’t make anyone wealthy, it’s designed to help cover essential expenses like housing, food, and utilities. As one expert put it, “The goal is not to make recipients wealthy, but to ensure they can still cover their basic needs without worrying.”

Also read: “Food Stamp Checks Worth Up to $1,756: SNAP Payments Start October 4 in These States”

What Veterans Need to Know About the 2025 COLA Increase

So, when can you expect to see this COLA boost? VA payments are typically sent on the 1st of each month, unless that falls on a weekend or holiday. In those cases, payments are sent on the last business day before the 1st, ensuring there are no delays. This applies to all VA benefits, including Disability and other forms of support.

It’s important to note that the 2025 COLA will not affect your payments for the rest of 2024. You’ll continue to receive your current amount through the end of the year. The first payment reflecting the COLA increase will arrive in January 2025.

How the COLA Affects VA Disability Benefits

For those receiving VA Disability benefits, the COLA boost could significantly impact your monthly check, especially for veterans with higher disability ratings. For instance, veterans with a 100% disability rating could see their monthly checks increase from $3,836 to around $3,932, thanks to the 2.5% bump. That’s not just a few extra dollars—it can make a real difference when managing day-to-day expenses.